I was fortunate enough to grow up in a home that valued fresh floral arrangements. However, my mom didn’t hop in the car and drive to the florist when it was time for a new bouquet. Instead, she grabbed a pair of clippers and strolled into the garden.
While some annuals ended up in the arrangements on the dining room table and bathroom sink, most of these blooms were perennials that came back year after year. There were the coral bells and astilbe from the side garden and the lilac blooms from the large shrubs by the driveway.
While working on a flower farm, I learned about handfuls of long-lived vegetative plants that provided beautiful flowers for cut arranagements. Growing some of these perennials is a great way to enjoy cut flowers without putting in the work (and money) required to replant annuals. Just plant them once, provide them with excellent care, and enjoy cutting year after year.
Drumstick Flower Craspedia
Drumstick Flower Craspedia Seeds
Black-Eyed Susan
Black-Eyed Susan Rudbeckia Seeds
Purple Coneflower Echinacea
Purple Coneflower Echinacea Seeds
Coneflower
Coneflowers are hardy perennials that practically thrive on neglect. They happily grow in poor soil and tolerate periods of drought, but they’ll also fare well in beds that have been amended with compost and kept moderately moist. As long as they don’t sit in wet soil, they’ll produce large blooms on long, rigid stems.
Also known by their genus name Echinacea, they come in numerous sizes and colors. The large orange and pink blooms of the well-known purple coneflower grace many yards, but you can also find species and varieties with cream, orange, and green petals. And don’t forget to check out hybrids featuring fringe-like displays of double petals.
Most coneflowers bloom from mid-summer through early fall, but you can find some that produce outside of this range. When choosing varieties for cutting, look for rigid stems with blooms that have just fully opened. Cut the stems near the base of the plant and remove any blooms that are past their prime to encourage the plants to produce keep flowering.
Black-Eyed Susan
Also known by their genus name Rudbeckia, these cheerful cut flowers are perennial, and feature shades of bright yellow and deep brown or black. The plants aren’t picky about soil type and can grow into healthy seedlings in rocky and nutrient-poor soil. Therefore, they’re great for placing in that less-than-ideal section of your garden.
The original species features a round cluster of deep brown disc florets surrounded by large, golden yellow ray florets. However, you can find hybrid varieties displaying shades of orange, crimson, and bronze. In many climates, black-eyed Susans are short-lived perennials that live for a few years. Therefore, don’t be surprised if you have to replant them every three or four years.
These sunny blossoms can appear anytime from late spring to mid-fall, but peak bloom often occurs in midsummer. When cutting for arrangements, look for blooms that have just opened—the brown center should be smooth and flat rather than a fuzzy cone. You can continually cut the flowers as the perennials produce more blooms.
Yarrow
One of the most versatile plants you can have in the garden, yarrow provides food for beneficial insects and birds, acts as a groundcover, and offers clusters that hold up well in arrangements. The straight species form of this native perennial has white blooms, but you can also find hybrid varieties in shades of pink, yellow, orange, and red. All varieties produce flattened umbels of tiny blooms.
Yarrow is well-suited to a variety of soil types and climates. It doesn’t mind rocky solid or periods of drought, yet it happily grows in rich garden beds. Just keep the soil on the drier side to avoid rot.
This perennial slowly spreads over time, making it a great choice for a tall, flowering ground cover. It doesn’t spread aggressively, so it also mixes well with other perennial cutting flowers.
Craspedia
Crapedia’s spherical, yellow blooms look like they’ve come straight out of a Dr. Suess book. But these Australian natives are real! The round blooms add a whimsical touch to fresh bouquets and also work well as dried arrangements.
These plants are hardy when it comes to drought and poor soil, but they aren’t big fans of excess moisture or cold. If you want them to come back year after year, plant them in an area with excellent drainage and add mulch to protect them from frigid winter temperatures. If you live in zone seven or below, plan to grow these guys as annuals.
Although craspedia may look fragile, the stalks and blooms hold up well. When cutting, look for spheres that are slightly fuzzy since this indicates the tiny flowers have opened. Trellising or corralling the plants with twine will help the slender stems grow straight and upright.
Echinops
Also known as globe thistle, this plant produces spherical blooms made up of tiny individual flowers. They range in color from deep blue to purple and hold their color well when dried. Blooms occur on branching stalks, so it’s possible to cut multiple stems from a single plant. The best time to harvest is when about half of the floral buds on the globe have opened.
Although the leaves aren’t as spiny as some other types of thistle, you should still handle them with care. A good pair of gloves is enough to protect you from their prickles. The spiky leaves and stems will spread over time, so prepare to divide them every five years to prevent overcrowding.
Once established, echinops can withstand drought and significant heat. However, it requires well-draining soil and cold winters to remain happy.
Butterfly Weed
A native that’s known for adding orange splashes to meadows, butterfly weed also works well in the cutting garden. It produces branching stalks covered with elongated green leaves and topped with clusters of bright orange flowers. Each individual flower features downturned petals and an upright structure known as a corona, leading to a mirrored appearance.
The clusters appear in the summer and often bloom for multiple months. They’re followed by elongated green seed pods that you can cut to add a unique element to bouquets. If you leave the pods on the plants, the seeds will mature and spread throughout your garden.
Butterfly weed doesn’t mind dry or nutrient-poor soil, but it can’t tolerate soggy soil. If you want to experiment with different warm hues, look for hybrid varieties with yellow or deep red flowers.
Salvia
There are handfuls of salvia species as well as hundreds of varieties, so you can find great variation within this genus. All of the plants produce upright flower stalks covered with tubular flowers, but they vary in size and color. Species like pineapple sage produce large, trumpet-shaped blooms, while those like mealy blue sage produce shorter stalks covered with smaller blooms.
All types of perennial saliva attract pollinators and hold up well as cut flowers. Many types are extremely drought-tolerant, but some species can only handle moderately dry soil. So, make sure to research each species before adding it to your garden.
The best time to cut salvia is when about three-quarters of the buds are open. If you wait until every boom is open to cut the stalk, some will drop shortly after cutting.
Scabiosa
Scabiosa, also known as the pincushion flower, produces flat blooms made up of clusters of tiny florets surrounded by colorful bracts. Although they are round, the whimsical appearance makes them unique. And since they come in colors including blue, pink, yellow, and white, you can find a hue that fits any palette.
It’s important to recognize that not all types of scabiosa are perennials. Some grow as annuals, and even perennial varieties vary in their cold tolerance. Some popular perennial species include Lomelosia caucasica and Scabiosa columbaria.
Many scabiosa species will bloom from spring through fall as long as they’re happy. You can harvest at multiple stages, but wait until at least a few of the petals unfurl. It’s okay if not all of the petals are open—they’ll continue to open after they’re cut.
Lavender
Lavender is well known for its calming fragrance and use in products ranging from hand creams to small-batch chocolates. These perennials also work well as cut flowers in both fresh and dried arrangements.
There are numerous lavender species that vary in bloom time, flower size, fragrance, and more. Gardeners often grow one of a few main categories: French, English, Spanish, and Portuguese. However, you can find dozens of varieties within these categories, along with handfuls of unique hybrids. Most of these plants produce purple spikes, but you can also find varieties with white or pink blooms.
Lavender blooms anywhere from a few weeks to multiple months, depending on the variety. Cutting the stalks when about half the buds are open is ideal. If you have more than you need, you can hand the stems to dry after you harvest.
Rudbeckia Triloba
Although it’s a type of Rudbeckia, I think this species deserves special recognition. Rather than producing stems topped with single, large flowers, the plants produce branching stems of small blooms. You can find yellow and black varieties as well as hybrids with shades of orange and red.
The plants are short-lived perennials, but they readily self-seed. Therefore, you’ll likely have a long-lasting stand of these plants if you let a few seed heads mature on the plant. They aren’t picky about their soil but prefer dry rather than wet environments.
The blooms will mature sometime in the mid-summer. Aim to harvest a stalk when at least two-thirds of the buds are in full bloom. After you cut the top of the stem, the plant’s side shoots will continue to grow and allow for another harvest.
Wild Bergamot
Also known as bee balm, wild bergamot is a popular flower for native gardens and pollinator patches. And it also works well as a cut flower! The uniquely shaped blooms of this popular perennial work well as focal cut flowers in arrangements and also add a wild touch to bouquets.
The plants produce branching stems that allow you to cut multiple off a single plant. After you cut the top of the stem, the remaining shoots will continue to grow and bloom. The plants will spread as they age, so aim to divide them once every three to four years.
Since the leaves are susceptible to powdery mildew, choose drip irrigation instead of overhead watering. You should also allow ample space between plants to increase airflow and decrease the likelihood that fungus develops.
Columbine
Columbine plants are perennials known for their distinct flowers with spurred petals, offering an intriguing aesthetic in cut arrangements. They may face up or down and come in various colors. Many columbine species are native to North America, and you can also find hybrids bred for their beautiful colors and double petals.
Each species and variety has its own sun and moisture preferences, so pay attention to which type you’re growing. You can also choose a few different types to fill out your sunny pollinator patch and your low-maintenance shade garden.
Most types of columbine bloom over the course of a few weeks in late spring to early summer. Harvest just after they’re fully open for optimal beauty and vase life.
Anise Hyssop
A favorite of pollinators, anise hyssop also works well in the cutting garden. The fragrant perennials produce fuzzy green leaves and tall stalks covered with oodles of light purple blossoms. Since the perennials grow in a clumping form, you can expect to cut dozens of flower stems from a single plant.
Anise hyssop is in the mint family, but it doesn’t spread aggressively. However, it will grow until it’s a few feet wide and readily self-seed. You can easily pull out the seedlings if you want to keep them contained.
Expect peak bloom to occur from the beginning to the middle of summer, with more blooms appearing through early fall. If you want to harvest the stems for bouquets, cut the stalks when about half the buds are open. You can also harvest and dry them to use in tea.
Japanese Anemone
A member of the buttercup family, the Japanese anemone produces simple, five-petal blooms. Traditional varieties are pink, but you can also find white varieties.
The plants prefer rich and moderately moist soil, so don’t expect them to thrive in rocky, dry soil like coneflowers or Rudbeckia. Partially shaded woodland edges are great environments, as are compost-enriched garden beds. Wherever you plant them, expect the slow-growing plants to take at least one year to flower.
The delicate pink or white flowers appear in late summer through fall. Each stem produces multiple round buds that eventually open into the sweet blooms. If you’re cutting them for a vase, choose stems with at least one open flower.
Astilbe
This genus contains 18 species native to Asia and North America. All of the plants produce feathery plumes and have fern-like leaves. Some varieties grow as small herbs, while others can grow into small shrubs, and colors include shades of pink, cream, yellow, and purple.
Astilbe doesn’t like hot sun, so afternoon shade or morning light is preferred. Along with avoiding the afternoon sun, plant in rich, well-draining soil and keep the ground moderately moist. If you follow these care tips, you can expect tall plumes to appear any time from late spring to late summer. The bloom time varies by cultivar, so don’t fret if your plants seem late to flower.
When it comes time to cut, look for stalks with about half the buds open. Properly harvested and stored blooms will last for one to two weeks.
Veronica
Veronica produces slender spikes covered with tiny blossoms, which is why it’s also known as spiked speedwell. This perennial produces cut-worthy flowers in varying hues, including pink, deep purple, and white. They bloom anytime from late spring through fall. They’re pollinator favorites and often covered with bees and butterflies.
Often, you can cut the stalks in the spring, and the plants will produce another flush of blooms a few months later. So even if you don’t use all the flowers in arrangements, deadhead the old flowers to encourage new production.
Veronica is fairly hardy as long as you provide the right environment. Choose a site with well-draining soil high in organic matter, and keep the ground moist but not wet.
Peony
Although peonies have a short vase life, their large size and dazzling layers of ruffled petals make up for it. You can find hundreds of varieties with single or double petals in colors, including peach, yellow, and deep purple. Some cultivars also feature bright, prominent stamens that add another layer of interest.
Peonies are slow growers that live for a long time, so it’s best to play the long game with them. Rather than cutting all flowers in the first few two years, leave them on the plant to encourage strong root growth. In the following years, the plants will produce a greater number of stems that you’re welcome to snip.
If you want to bring your peonies indoors, cutting them at the proper stage is essential. Look for closed yet swollen buds; they should feel like a squishy marshmallow rather than a hard rock. The buds will open in a few days and provide you with blooms that last multiple days.
Hellebore
One of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, hellebores make us excited for all that’s to come. Also known as Lenten roses, they begin blooming in the late winter or early spring. The flowers appear on slender stalks and resemble simple roses. You can find varieties with deep maroon, speckled pink, and light yellow blooms.
Lenten roses thrive in the shade and easily form dense patches, so they make a great filler for unused shady areas. Although the flowers are done blooming by the end of spring, the large leaves provide interest through summer and fall.
If you want to utilize hellebore as a cut flower, wait patiently! Cutting the stems too early will lead to flowers that last only a day or two in a vase. Wait until the stamens fall and a seedpod begins to form before harvesting.
Baptisia
The Baptisia genus consists of legumes made up of clusters of tall stems topped with colorful flowers. Blue false indigo (Baptisia australis) is the most common species, but you can find dozens of other species and hybrid varieties. These plants produce flowers in colors including light cream, deep magenta, and bright yellow.
The flowers appear in the spring, with each stem containing dozens of blooms. If left on the plant, they turn into large seed pods. Trifoliate leaves remain on the plants from spring through fall.
When harvesting, look for stems where half the flowers are open. Cut no more than half the stems to ensure the plants have enough energy to grow.
Garden Phlox
Also known as tall phlox or perennial phlox, this species is the best type of phlox for cutting. It grows in clumps with multiple upright stems covered with lanceolate leaves and topped with clusters of five-petaled flowers. The blooms may be a single color or a blend of multiple shades.
Garden phlox grows best in moist soil rich in organic matter, so consider adding compost before planting. Water well during hot and dry periods, but avoid wet soil since this can lead to root rot. Drip irrigation is preferred since overhead watering will increase the likelihood of powdery mildew developing.
If plants remain healthy, you can expect flowers for multiple weeks during the summer. Look for stems with just a few open blooms and many buds.
Showy Milkweed
True to its name, showy milkweed is a stunner. Clusters of star-shaped flowers appear in rounded umbels and emit a strong fragrance. The blooms are shades of pink and white.
Native to portions of the western United States, showy milkweed can tolerate poor soil and drought. Full sun is essential for healthy plants and large blooms, so place it in an open area. With these growing conditions, you can expect flowers throughout the summer.
Like most milkweed species, these stems exude a milky sap when cut. Cut the stems when about half the flowers are open, and half are in bud form.
